Seven arraigned after mob burns Homabay's Mawego Police Station during Ojwang burial
The blaze destroyed the buildings, and some individuals made away with the national and police flags, flag posts, and the station's signage before fleeing through clouds of tear gas.
Tension gripped Mawego village in Homabay County last Thursday as the burial of slain teacher Albert Ojwang sparked chaos that ended with the burning of the local police station and the arrest of at least seven people.
The suspects were presented in court following the dramatic events that unfolded on July 3, when a crowd accompanying Ojwang’s body stormed Mawego Police Station, which was previously linked to his detention before he died under controversial circumstances in Nairobi.
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Ojwang, a teacher, was arrested in Homabay over allegations of false publication and briefly held at Mawego Police Station before being transferred to Nairobi.
His life came to a tragic end on June 7 inside the Nairobi Central police cells, and his death has since sparked public outcry and demands for justice. He was laid to rest on July 4 at his home in Homabay.
As his body arrived in the village on July 3, mourners expressed their anger and grief by redirecting the funeral procession to Mawego Police Station.
Witnesses said a large group, including mourners and students from a nearby polytechnic, converged at the station, chanting and demanding answers. Police tried to disperse the crowd using teargas, but it did little to calm the escalating situation.
In a dramatic turn, the group entered the police station, with some carrying Ojwang’s casket through the premises. Meanwhile, others ransacked the offices, setting both the Officer Commanding Station’s office and the report office on fire.
The blaze destroyed the buildings, and some individuals made away with the national and police flags, flag posts, and the station's signage before fleeing through clouds of tear gas.
Police officers living nearby reported that their houses were also looted during the chaos. Fortunately, no injuries were reported and the armoury remained intact, according to police statements.
On July 6, police arrested seven suspects in connection with the torching incident. They were taken to the Senior Principal Magistrate’s Court in Oyugis, where police applied for 21 days of custodial orders to allow further investigations.
However, the court only granted a seven-day detention period. The suspects are now being held at Kendu Bay Police Station pending further police action.
The violence surrounding Ojwang’s death has drawn wider attention, especially after six individuals were charged with his murder.
Those facing charges include Nairobi Central Police Station OCS Samson Talam and Police Constable James Mukhwana. Alongside them are Peter Kimani, John Ginge Gitau, Gin Ammitou Abwao, and Brian Mwaniki Njue.
They are jointly accused of murdering Ojwang on the night of June 7 and 8 at the Central Police Station.
The unfolding events have not only raised questions about police conduct but also highlighted growing public anger over the handling of Ojwang’s case. Investigations into both his death and the destruction of Mawego Police Station are still ongoing.
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